First musically-themed museumin CV

CEBU, Philippines - The newly expanded Jose “Dodong” R. Gullas (JRG) Halad Museum will open its doors to the public on June 14, 2011.

Founded by Dodong Gullas and dedicated to his parents, Don Vicente and Inday Pining Gullas, it is the first musically themed museum in Central Visayas, showcasing the wide ranging and enduring legacies of Cebuano cultural heritage through music.

Prior to museum’s opening, a Mass and a blessing ceremony will be held on Monday, June 13, 2011, at 3:00 p.m. to be concelebrated by Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma and Ricardo Cardinal Vidal.

The program will be followed by a Harana of Cebuano songs popularized by Minggoy Lopez, Maning Velez and more to be performed by the multi-awarded UV Chorale, the Mutya Orchestra, and Cebu’s very own, Pilita Corrales.

Highlight of the event is the unveiling of the winning composition of Maestro Mil Villareal for the Halad Theme Song Contest, which bested other entries from Cebu and abroad. The song, entitled “Awit ni Dodong,” has lyrics written by Leo Lastimosa.

The event will be broadcasted on Monday, 8:00-10:00 p.m. over DYAB. Attendance is by invitation only.

The museum houses songs and memorabilia of Cebuano musical greats who have earned recognition for their extraordinary talents.

The JRG Halad Museum is open from Mondays to Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on weekends by appointment.

Entry for senior citizens is free. For more information, please call telephone no. (032) 268-2579.